Delta ID is closer to bringing its iris recognition technology to the masses thanks to an infusion of cash from Intel Capital and other investors. The $5-million boost will help the California-based biometric authentication provider meet growing demand from some of the world’s leading device makers.

The company’s main offering, ActiveIRIS, is touted as being different from other products “because it works reliably under conditions where the users normally use their devices,” says Salil Prabhakar, president and CEO of Delta ID Inc. The technology includes patent-pending software to enable iris recognition using simple hardware that can be easily integrated in mobile and PC devices.

ActiveIRIS is works by using a secure camera and performing all image processing and computations within the platform’s trusted environment, Prabhakar says.

Intel is investing in biometric companies like Delta ID as part of an initiative to eliminate the hassle of passwords. “Intel Capital’s investment will help accelerate the adoption of iris recognition by the ecosystem of device manufacturers, service providers and users,” says Erik Reid, vice president of Intel’s Mobile and Communications Group.

Delta ID was founded three years ago with a plan to bring secure and convenient biometric authentication to mass market computing devices.  “Delta ID plans to use capital raised from Intel to accelerate adoption of its technology in the marketplace,” Prabhakar says.